The Death of William Rufus
On August 2nd, 1100, the harsh, violent, cynical ruler, who was the second Norman King of England, mysteriously met his death while hunting in the New Forest. W.L. Warren asks: was it by accident or conspiratorial design, or was he the victim of a pagan fertility cult?
Please note: this article is from a 1959 issue of History Today, and its language contains outdated terms and descriptions. Articles in our archive remain as they were printed, and do not reflect the current values of the magazine.
Many medieval chroniclers would have been grievously disappointed if King William II had died peacefully in his bed. He was so patently ungodly that an explicit sign of Heaven’s displeasure was eagerly looked for. Yet for thirteen years from his accession in 1087 he flourished in his wickedness. He lacked, it is true, the awesome dignity and stern gravity of his father, William the Conqueror.
He tried to get his way by bluster; he was short and corpulent, and his ruddy countenance earned him the nickname “Rufus.” On the other hand, he had qualities that fitted him for rule in that harsh and turbulent age. He shared the Conqueror’s energy and ruthless determination, and the ability to oblige others to do his will.
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